Report: Lamborghini Developing New Plug-In Hybrid SUV

Automakers are desperately doing two things these days: diversifying their lineups and increasing overall fuel economy. Lamborghini certainly is no exception to these activities, thanks in part to its newfound success at producing high volumes of exotic cars like the Gallardo. According to CNN Money, we could all see a production plug-in hybrid SUV rolling down streets and sitting at high-end car shows in the near future.

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Anyone who’s been following the Italian brand closely shouldn’t be shocked by this news. Back in October at the 2014 Paris Mondial de L’Automobile Lamborghini showed off the Asterion LPI 910-4, a plug-in hybrid gasoline-electric concept car. It’s the first plug-in hybrid ever made by the brand, but with big players like Ferrari, McLaren, and Porsche leveraging the technology and achieving some tremendous results, it only makes sense that Lamborghini plans to jump into the ring.

Even though the Asterion carries the same characteristic looks as other modern Lambos, it sadly will likely never make its way to production. CNN Money reports that the company’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, says the technology developed for the concept will likely be put to use in a plug-in hybrid SUV. The good news is that the Asterion boasts a total output of 910 horsepower and can go from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds.

To the chagrin of many enthusiasts, Porsche has seen tremendous success with its Cayenne SUV line, which has been credited with giving the German automaker truckloads of cash it can use to develop more sports cars like the 918 Spyder. Porsche has recently added the smaller Macan, which so far has been well-received by consumers as well. The VW Group, which owns Lamborghini and Porsche, has been exploring the possibility of making SUV models in general.

In the same report, CNN Money says that the Urus, Lamborghini’s controversial concept SUV, should be seeing production in about two to three years. The anticipation is that the Urus will become the top-seller for Lamborghini. Likely, a plug-in version of the SUV will be released shortly thereafter.